12/07/20 - The Lion Inn - Winchcombe

Distance - 6 Miles
Geocaches - 4
Walk Inspiration - Pub Walks in the Cotswolds - Walk 5
Good Beer Guide Tick - #479

One week after Super Saturday and I get my first post lockdown Good Beer Guide Tick.   The Lion Inn in Winchcombe is expecting visitors.

Social Distancing at the Lion Inn, Winchcombe

The walk is a variation of a short classic from this most walker friendly of towns.

I follow the Cotswold Way along Puck Pitt lane and out into the gorgeous countryside of the lower slopes of Salters Hill.

Nottingham Hill, from the Cotswold Way

The destination - Hailes Abbey, where I can peak over the long grass for a glimpse of the ruins of a C13th Cistercian Abbey.  For once, its not that I am too tight to pay the entrance fee - its still temporarily closed.

Hailes Abbey from the other side of the fence

A clamber up a quiet lane to Haile on the Hill for views that are the same as those from Broadway Tower.   Worcestershire opening up below like a patchwork quilt.

Looking across to the Maverns from Haile on the Hill

The Gloucestershire Way returns me to town, where I hope this short but hilly walk can be rewarded in a suitable manner.

I approach the C15th Coaching Inn with some trepidation.  Of the handful of pubs that I have been to over the last 8 days, each has a different approach to the rules.   The Lion Inn's website states that you must book a table - but does this apply to the thirsty Geocacher that just wants a pint?

I am met at the door and ask nervously for a drink in their garden.  After hand sanitising and a passing on of details, I am escorted to their delightful garden.  After a few short moments, a lady delivers my requested Wye Valley Butty Bach.

This is what I normally have in my yet to re-open local.  Four months of various bottle deliveries from the UK, Belgium and Germany is forgotten at the first sip.

When it is on form, you cannot beat a hand pulled Butty.

Liquid Perfection